My Dose of Terbaik Dari Langit

A lot has been said about the movie Terbaik Dari Langit. Reading the many reviews by the many different individuals, it was a joy. Great reviews, good reviews, so-so reviews and bad reviews. I even scroll the timeline just to read comments and feedbacks about the movie.

On a personal note, I truly love the movie. It touched me, it moved me, it left a mark on me. Pretty much explain why the movie was my last watched film of 2014, my first movie for 2015 and yeah it's also my second this year. 

The interesting part on all my visit to the cinema, I was accompanied by different people; family, friends, and colleague. I even travel to three different cinemas as cinema near me stopped showing it after the first week. One thing in common though, everytime the movie ends, we end up talking about the movie and we share our theory and our thoughts. We reflect back on yesteryears and we kind of plan what the next step would be.

The story is actually really simple if you put aside the UFO element. It's about friendship. That's it, from that point of view, the end. But the beauty of the movie is how the story of friendship evolves and slowly narrated one after another. The way the characters were introduced and the role that each of them potray through every scene from start till the end.

It also reminds you about inspiration, hope and dreams; what you want in life, how to achieve it, your value and principle. All that I have mentioned was greatly illustrated that it lingers on my mind as I'm writing this piece. 

The cafe scene when Berg explained to Ijam about his plan. The talk between Sofia Jane and Toyu once eveything starts to go haywire. That moment when Sara point out the real deal about Ijam to Zelda. The hug between Berg and his grandfather. Lastly, Berg last scene and his speech. I went through all kind of emotions.

In short, the movie made me think, it made me remember, it made me relive the memories when life was simple and nothing was in the way. That moment when you were in school and all that matter was your friends. The one who is there with you through thick and thin. The one you rely on, the one you made fun of, the one you love the hate, the optimist, and the one that keep it all together. Each one of these character exist in each of our lives.

Before I end this write-up, here's a little note. 

The movie is not perfect, but then what is perfect anyway right? It has it flaws but that’s what makes it a great piece. There’s always room to improve and to explore. I’m sure the team will work on that in the upcoming project.

I would like to thank the entire team and crew. For the laugh, for the joy, for the tears, for the love, for the smile, for making me remember, for making me reflect, and for all that I’ve felt and continue to feel throughout Terbaik Dari Langit. 

 

It is my deepest desire for everyone in the team to continue doing what you do best. Keep this kind of movie coming and keep the industry alive with fresh and brilliant, big ideas. At every step, you have my utmost support.

 

You guys are awesome.

Please don’t forget that, for I will not forget all of you.

Much love,

Hazirah

P.s: This is solely my personal opinion and how I feel about the movie. You may have an opinion of your own and it may differs but then its yours. 😊

Inferior? Superior? Whatever...

I have had this topic in mind for quite some time.

But I find it difficult to craft.

So this is my first attempt tackling this issue.

It might be just a one time thing or it might even be a series kind of thing. 

Here goes...

As I'm writing this post, I have often been asked the million dollar question.

Be it at the office, at home, at hangout sessions, yada yada yada (read: everywhere).

"Zira, when are you getting married?"

I will either find myself laughing so hard or wanting to disappear so bad whenever the question popped.

I have no idea on how I should respond to that very question.

No matter how many time I've been asked, the answer scheme is something I never managed to get a grasp of.

Then the next thing that will come out will be;

"Hey you're going to be 24 soon, stop being too choosy."

Yeah right...

I am turning 24 next month.

And out of nowhere I am suddenly choosy.

Funny.

Thing is, it has been quite sometime that I'm nowhere near the relationship department.

Not that I don't want to, it's just not what I'm looking for.

I just graduated and wanting to focus on the more important part of life; getting a job.

Never crossed my mind that once you get a job, that will be the end of it.

Poof!

Just like magic.

The job consumed you and sucked out the life that you thought you could have previously.

This year end will mark a year of me being in office; 6 months of internship, 6 months being a permanent staff.

And just recently, I bought my first car.

Thus making life not an easy juggle.

Though my job consumed me, I will always find time for my deep thinking session.

More often than not it will happen later in the day by the platform as I wait for Mama to finish her work.

It is then that I analyse the issue mentioned earlier.

Will I ever be in a relationship again?

Am I being too choosy?

When will I get married?

Is there someone out there for me?

Like wildfire, questions start to fill my mind.

Panic starts to prickle.

I take a deep breath and I close my eyes.

Total calmness.

A while later, I got a hold of myself.

While observing people from all walks of life heading home, my analysis begin.

First and foremost, as you turn a year older or wiser (whichever you prefer) the definition of a relationship evolves.

You no longer want to be in a relationship just for the sake of having one.

You want a relationship that means something and possess the potential of being more in the future.

At least that is how I define my desired relationship to be.

Definition issue : Resolved.

Next up is the critical part.

What you look for in a relationship?

24 hours companion? A shoulder to cry on? Someone to share everything with?

That needs to be sort out too.

In my case, I wish to have someone that accepts me for who I am.

I am far from perfect.

I'm constantly weird and crazy.

I laugh hysterically and at random.

I'm loud yet romantic and sentimental.

 I'm independent and dependent at the same time.

Too complex for someone as petite as I am huh?

Even I think I'm too much for anyone to handle.

What's next?

Potential suitor.

The most interesting part (you think..?!).

I pretty much have crafted the relationship that I wish to have.

Now who will be the right one to fill in the spot?

Honestly, I have close to none any specific criteria of my dream man.

All that I know, as long as he can accepts me, we're good to go.

I don't go for looks.

I don't fall for money.

I don't seek for perfection.

However, I do have a problem;

If a man thinks that I'm out of their league due to my job or my car.

The world that we're living today provides equal opportunity to all.

It is not fair for one to diminish the chance of having a relationship just because of such excuse.

Having a job or a car doesn't mean anyone is better off than another.

It only means that yes she have something more, and you should prove that you have something better.

Why must you look at is as a glass half-empty when she looks at is as a glass half-full?

Often it is the what-ifs scenario planted on the mind that hinders one from taking the first step.

There's no harm in trying to approach even if she seems to have everything.

I still remember that back in university people used to have the idea that I don't do mamak hangouts.

In reality, I was raised with numerous mamak visits and mamak is my ultimate hangout destination.

What you perceive and what's real is two different thing.

Indirectly, I addressed the point on me being choosy.

Guess what, I'm not.

It is not my fault if men avoids me because of what I have.

It would be absurd of me to simply quit my job and abandon my installment just so that someone will then be interested to start a relationship with me.

Life is all about give and take.

Adjust and adapt.

I am single by choice for now.

I believe one day I will no longer be single and I will happily be married to my better half.

I understand the concern of all those around me.

I appreciate it.

Trust me when I say that I'm concerned myself.

Hahahahaha.

Still along the way I do fall for someone and I do pursue.

But it is never something that I stressed myself with.

Just bear in mind that the path I've chosen for the time being is something that I am most comfortable with.

I'm happy and I'm enjoying life.

That is not something bad either right?

My Ramadhan

It is unbelievable that Ramadhan will be over soon.

Feels like it was only yesterday the first week of Ramadhan begins.

I have to say that this year Ramadhan has been the highlight of my life.

The whole month is just so special to me that I find it hard to describe with words. 

Nevertheless, here I am writing about this whole month. 

Time to head to office...

I have never find it difficult to fast. 

I always find myself prepared for the holy month as I often opt to fast on Mondays and Thursdays. 

It is always a good practice to really get yourself used to it when the time comes. 

This year around, it was something more than just fasting. 

It really test me in every aspects that it should. 

It is so early...

I am travelling daily; Seremban-Kuala Lumpur.

That is something totally new to me. 

I found myself needing some time to adjust to that. 

In the beginning I sigh a lot and wished that I won't have to endure it.

But after a week, I was all fine with it.

I anticipated it every day and I look forward to the journey. 

In addition to that, I was never late to the office. 

Despite the change in the office hour operation starting at 8.15 am compared to 9.00 am previously. 

I managed to work things out with the will of Allah. 

Alhamdulillah for that. 

Next was the constant backlash with traffic jams. 

As mentioned before, the travelling part needs me to pass through Sg Besi toll every working days. 

Yup, now the imagination is in action?

Visions of the massive traffic has got to be the worst part of every day. 

Being me that I am, I am grumpy at times. 

I don't like to be late and I am very particular with time. 

If it is possible, I would like to be there before the traffic begins to accumulate. 

However that is not the case for me. 

I will have to wait for mum to get all ready before the journey could begin. 

So that is another area that I found myself adjusting most of the time.

I need to be more patient, less cranky and calm all the time. 

Difficult it is, trust me. 

Upon reaching the office, it is a whole different story. 

I find myself all charged up, alive and jumpy. 

Some colleagues even say that I am perky at times.

While others find it hard to stay awake, I was never asleep in class.

That is the one thing that I always have difficulty in committing. 

Other than that, my attention span is much longer than average.

And I still manage to multitask; playing handphone and listening to lecture most of the time. 

Yay for that.

Sleeping but not in class

One of my many selfie. 

Another thing that I would really like to highlight in this post is my group of friends. 

To be more precise, my non-muslim friends at the office.

They have been the best part of my life for the past 2 months or so. 

Since the very beginning, I have never expected them to be the way they are. 

During this holy month, they try so hard to not even drink in front of us. 

Even if they have to, they will always apologize first before they proceed drinking or eating. 

Honestly, I don't really have a problem with that. 

But the level of respect they have for us that are fasting is really at a level I've never encountered before. 

They even decided to try and fast for a day and join us for 'buka puasa'.

That was one of the day where I just want to hug each and everyone of them. 

If may, I might have even give them a peck on the cheek for being uber awesome and sweet.

The fact that they want to try and manage to achieve it was one that will always stays in the mind and the heart.

My Londoners mate.

This is just the way they are.

You'll be crazy not to love them.

Love you guys a lot!

They made it. They fast for a day.

Other than that, I also manage to spend some time to 'buka puasa' with my ex-colleague. 

That is another part that I really enjoyed. 

We communicate most of the time through Whatsapp. 

So it was really fun to meet up and have real conversations; face-to-face encounter, rather than just through the screen of the phone. 

I even manage to pull some surprises for one of them as it happens to collide with the birthday. 

Birthday surprises have always been my forte back in college.

I was more than happy that I manage to get back to my creative side and pulled off yet another surprise. 

It was even more meaningful when the surprise really surprised the one that is being surprised. 

Hahaha ok ignore the above sentence. 

Having said that, there is another surprise heading their way for the festive season.

I guess I'll have to wait for the time to come before I bragged all about it.

Kak Ros and me.

Buka Puasa Green Gang 1.0

The surprise!

I believe this post is the longest post I have written.

We are almost at the end now. 

Just bear with me a little more. 

In terms of spiritually, this Ramadhan is the most humble of any. 

Believe it or not, I have not even once go to Bazaar Ramadhan this year. 

Yes, that is a piece of truth that I find really amazing. 

How could one not been to bazaar when it is at almost every corner?

I have no answer for that though. 

My daily meal is usually what mom and me cooks whenever we arrived home. 

Simple dishes that takes less than 30minutes to be prepared as we often reach home at 6.30pm.

This is also the first Ramadhan that I am always in the kitchen.

I have cooked for 'buka puasa' and 'sahur' as well.

The feeling when you cook for the whole family is just so special. 

I enjoy every moment of it. 

And I believe that when I have a family of my own, I won't have any issues to do the same. 

A little bit of digression there, my bad.

Hahaha.

Mum's the chef, I'm the assistant

By me, for me. Yummy.

Last point would be that I manage to create my own greeting cards for Hari Raya. 

It may be very simple but it is really something that comes from the heart.

I was so into making the card that mum always wondering if I will really hand it out to people. 

And yes I managed to pass it to those I intended to give the card to. 

Hand-made cards.

Special delivery.

I guess that pretty much covers everything. 

That is My Ramadhan experiences this time around. 

As it is coming to an end, I will definitely miss it once it is over. 

May I still be around for the coming Ramadhan.

If Allah wills it, InsyaAllah. 

The One and Only. 

My Iron Lady

I have been eager to write on this for a long time.

However time constraint always gets the best of me. 

So now, here we go...

Along the years of my life, there has been a handful of people that will always have a special place in my heart. 

This very few people are those closest to me. 

Though they are close, I rarely utter words of appreciation to them.

Some may say that I seem to be taking them for granted. 

As for myself, I go about it in a whole new direction.

The individual that I will be talking about may already be known to many. 

Especially if you are one of those who is always by my side through the ups and downs. 

I often talk about her despite the love-hate relationship that we had since the very beginning. 

In previous post I have confessed on the fact that I am daddy's little girl. 

But I forgot to mention that I am also mama's little rock; her precious gem.

On this post, I will elaborate more on the matter. 

In the early days, I was troublesome. 

Looking back, I am always throwing tantrums that mama finds it hard to manage. 

Aside from that, I always have this feeling - I am the second fiddle. 

Be better and what not, I will always find myself being compared to how great my brother is.

I believe I still feel this up till this very moment.

If given a chance to reconstruct the past, there's one thing I would like to change. 

The fact that sometimes I was just too rebellious. 

I believe I have hurt mama in many ways when I was little.

I was the one who made her angry and she will not speak to me for some time.

I was the one who made her cry and went to bed in tears. 

I was also the one who dragged her back home from office just because I refused to go to school. 

I was beyond her control. 

But it was not known to her or anybody how awful I felt after all that. 

How I would stand by the side of her bed just to ensure she sleeps safe and sound.

How I would then grab a book and pour my heart out on how foolish and sinful I was. 

How I would jump on my bed, grab a pillow and shout wholeheartedly of my dumb acts. 

I was never brave enough to face it most of the time. 

Having said all that, I am thankful for the chance that was given to me this very day. 

At the age of 23, my mama is my best friend. 

She is the person I spent most of my hours with.

We travel to work together.

We hop on the lrt together. 

We go home together. 

We shop together. 

We dine together. 

We cook together.

We make fun of each other. 

We do everything together. 

The time spent together may not be enough to repay everything that she has done for me all these years. 

Never will it be enough for me to reciprocate how she functions on a daily basis. 

A working mom, raising 4 children and attending every important function and report cards day of each. 

She too cooks daily even when she was travelling Seremban-Kuala Lumpur everyday.

What more can I ask of her? 

For everything that I am today, it is because of this Iron Lady. 

Moulding me in the right way, the best way she know how. 

I will forever be in debt to her. 

I love you Mama. 

I always will. 

Embrace every moment...

Finally, I manage to get some time to update this blog of mine. 

As cliche as it sounds, a lot has been happening in life. 

Some major transformation, some normal routine and some amazing new find outs.

Life couldn't be much better than where it is currently at. 

I am currently undergoing my INTEC that is Intensive English Course that is conducted by British Council. 

At first I didn't really have a clue why we must undergo INTEC.

After almost 2 weeks of classes, I seem to get the rationale behind it. 

Trust me, language is more than just speaking and writing. 

There's so much more to it. 

And boy was I lucky to be here. 

My classmates are so lively and upbeat. 

Seeing them instantly brought the smile to my face.

Another thing that I am more than happy to share is the fact that they appreciate my music. 

Well, I may not be a professional composer or anything but I do write songs and I can sing. 

I usually keep it to myself. 

However on one fine evening, I was triggered by a competition that was to be held among all participants. 

A talent show. 

And they might need representative from every class. 

So I started to sing to myself and puuffff! 

The whole class know I can sing. 

I even sang in front of everyone after class.

Still can't believe I survived that. 

Oh ya, I created a song for the organisation as well. 

Not sure if it will be of any use, but I'm proud of my piece of music. 

In terms of professional life, I believe it is heading the right way. 

The path is laid out perfectly for me to take charge of. 

I am hopeful of whatever the future holds. 

And I am ready to embark this journey towards a better tomorrow. 

On the other hand, personal life is continuing to be stagnant. 

I'm enjoying this phase of life without the hassle of having to divert attention all over. 

I'm no longer in my comfort zone but I am comfortable.

I believe I am able to achieve my dreams. 

So now let the journey begins. 

Piece of truth...

My life seems to be at its best right now.

The opportunities that I have gotten is always a blessing I am forever thankful for.

Currently, I am in a training program; it's purpose is to equipped me with all the essentials I need.

I am really stepping into the real world now.

The so called working world. 

It is exactly a week ago that I decided to have a go at this.

I will not elaborate much on what the program is all about. 

From time to time, I will be updating on that I believe. 

So what will I be talking about now?

I am in the mood to talk about things that I came to realize from the talks that have been conducted in conjunction with the program I am undergoing now. 

Yesterday, the last session of the day was a talk about the Y Generation. 

Yes, some may recall that I have once written a post related to this issue. 

This time around, I am solely focusing on my generation; Generation Y.

A speaker was invited to talk us through the things we need to know about our generation. 

Fair enough to say that we are all well aware of what we are and how we conduct ourselves. 

But even when you think you know it all, you're not quite there yet. 

There will always be that little something that you missed out along the way. 

And that is what the talk provides me with; filling all the missing blanks. 

As an individual that is among the Y Gen, I have to admit that we are ambitious. 

At times too ambitious that we tend to be more vocal than practical. 

Many may not admit to this, but it really is. 

Ever heard of threats to leave the house, abandoned studies and etc. but then there you are still?

So there you go. 

It may not apply to all cases, but the mass is really just about the talks but never walk the talk. 

Another thing that I came to realize from yesterday's session was the fact that the views of generations earlier than the Gen Y seems to be so true rather than a misconception. 

We are the more flexible and adaptable to change than them. 

But we are also more laid-back and often take things lightly.

In other words we are not serious most of the times and that poses threat to oneself. 

We are at a positive altitude and negative altitude all at the same time. 

Truth is, we are not a born champion at balancing stuffs all the time. 

Many fail abruptly. 

The talk highlighted the strength of the Gen Y wholly. 

It also enlightened the weaknesses of the generation in depth as well. 

As hard as it is to accept all that, the truth speaks louder than anything else. 

I was open on anything that was to be thrown at me. 

I admit that Gen Y are not the best generation of all. 

We are at an advantage, but we need to be smart in taking up the challenges. 

We are smart, but we need to also stay grounded. 

Never ever feel content with where we are and what we are. 

Just bear this in mind, cloud nine is never to be our rightful place.

The irony and typical...

Often in life we came across a lot of things.
Some are new to us and some are so yesterday.
Being an observer of peoples' attitude, often than not surprises you.
Personally, I am no longer that surprised as I used to be previously.
As time passes by, you just get used to whatever that happens; the good, the bad, the beauty, the ugly.
You name it, everything flashes like a movie.

Just recently I indulged in a new book.
A book that I have kept my eye on for quite sometime.
Luckily, my aunt was kind enough to treat me and bought me the book.
Yeay!

Back to reality.
What is it about the book that makes me all hyped about it?
Firstly, it is a book of religious scenarios that offers a different point of view.
Closely related to my interest, it offers something that I have never encountered before.
The level of telling it straight just leaves a mark on me upon reading it.
In many ways it is such a truthful book and no one shall deny the fact.
I am not yet done reading the whole book.
But slowly I try to get the piece of truth by purely observing.

So that is what I did.
In seeking the truth, I am a step closer to the real deal.
It started out unintentionally; no plans, nothing.
I guessed it is true; it is only a matter of time before the truth is out.

Being in a new place, new environment often makes you want to explore everything.
Searching for the place to hang out, a place that provide peace and a place with good food.
Having done that, I found the peace place.
Literally, the place provides me a little breather.
It eases me whenever I am there.
Until the day I heard of a preaching session.

Before I begin elaborating on this, I have to make clear of a few things.
I am a believer of my religion.
I have nothing against those who are dedicated in preaching to others.
And I am certainly not any better than anyone.
All I am about to say it just my humble opinion and I am certainly not judging.

Here goes...
As I mentioned above, I am a believer of my religion and that is something very important to me.
Being a muslim, you're not just a muslim by name.
There's more to it than just the surface.
You practice what you believe, you portray what you believe and you are what you believe.
It's an easy concept and when you truly believe it really is that easy.

Having said all that in the above, I have great respect for those who dedicate their life to preach.
It is not a duty that fits everyone perfectly, but those who are doing it usually are meant to do so. Therefore, whenever I am available to tag along, I will be there and listen attentively.
One never stop learning is what I always holds dearly deep inside.
However this time around the preaching sessions jolts me.
It is something about the way it is being delivered that creates an uneasy feeling to me.
It brings me all the way back to the book that I have been reading.

Living in a country where everything is accustomed and seldom been questioned seems to take its toll.
I realized that over the years; due to the term accustomed, it has sparked a slight negativity to a group of people who often feels that they are above the law or regulatory that apply to the mass.
Just because there are looked upon as the one who people seek for advice and etc. they tend to have let everything goes to the head and rationale is no longer lingering at the back of their minds.
They do as they please, speak as they wish and they preach what and how they want instead of what and how they should.
You get what I mean right?

The author of the book clearly addressed this issue in his book.
Encountering it at four eyes meet was something I did not expect but am thankful to have been.
I feel sorry for the individual who was the one with all that I've said in the previous para.
It hurts me even more to admit that it really does happen; more often than what I am aware of.
When those who should be the fore fronts representing the religion act as such, what else is there to say?
You can't simply criticized them due to their 'rank' or 'social status'.
You are in a situation with no right of telling them what they're doing wrongly.
You are incapable of anything.

I may not be such a pious believer.
I am aware that I'm not 100% as what I am required to be.
Adding to that, I have always known that for a fact.
But then, just because you feel that you are pious don't make you any better.
What you feel and what you are, are two very different things.
Being pious do not possess you the right to condemned others.
And it certainly gives you no right to judge others as you may.

I have always been taught to never judge a book by its cover.
I believe that behind every man there is always a piece of goodness.
Behind every dark soul is always a pure heart that went out of track.
That is what my religion taught me.
Therefore, who are you to deny that of what I learn from the Holy Quran?
The Prophet himself is always humble and never a judge.

What I am trying to convey here is, just because you are regarded as such in the eye of the society doesn't really reflects the real you in the eye of Allah.
You may think highly of yourself but in reality you are never any better than any of those who you condemned or criticized.
Be reasonable upon preaching.
There is no need to used such vulgar or rude words referring to those who are not on the same page as you are.
Let them be who they are, it is a matter of them and the Almighty.

To remind another is not wrong, as long as the way of delivering is not harsh and in a mannerly way.
It is never easy to influence people to do good.

So why make it even more difficult by chasing them away even further with unethical words and methods?